Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 27, 2026

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Relationship Between Lipotoxicity and HFpEF
Published on: March 29, 2024
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Insights
Heart failure with normal ejection fraction, often caused by hypertension and stiff cardiac muscle, is diagnosed by clinical signs and echocardiography. Treatment involves managing underlying conditions and using similar drugs as for reduced ejection fraction heart failure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Internal Medicine
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Heart failure with normal ejection fraction affects approximately 50% of heart failure patients.
- Cardiac muscle stiffness is a key factor, often stemming from hypertension-induced ventricular hypertrophy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diagnostic criteria and management of heart failure with normal ejection fraction.
- To highlight the role of diastolic dysfunction and objective diagnostic markers.
Main Methods:
- Conducted literature searches in PubMed.
- Included 15 relevant articles and nine from a personal literature archive.
Main Results:
- Diagnosis requires clinical heart failure symptoms and objective signs of diastolic dysfunction.
- Increased left ventricular filling pressure (via echocardiography) is a primary objective sign.
- Ventricular hypertrophy and elevated natriuretic peptides support the diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Treatment focuses on underlying conditions and symptoms.
- Pharmacological approaches generally align with those used for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
Background:
Approximately one half of all patients with heart failure have normal ejection fraction in the left ventricle, and heart failure is attributed to stiffness of the cardiac muscle. The most common cause is hypertension with ventricular hypertrophy.
Material And Method:
Literature searches were conducted in PubMed. After we made our selection, a total of 15 articles on heart failure with normal ejection fraction were included. In addition, we included nine articles from our own literature archive.
Results:
The diagnosis of heart failure with normal ejection fraction presupposes clinical findings consistent with heart failure and objective signs of diastolic dysfunction. The main objective sign is increased left ventricular filling pressure estimated by echocardiography. Ventricular hypertrophy and increased natriuretic peptides support the diagnosis.
Interpretation:
Underlying conditions and symptoms are treated, and in general the same drugs are used as for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
Related Concept Videos
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
Heart Failure I: Introduction
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics
Heart Failure V: Medical Management
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies

